New rules could mean more fees for using credit cards

Consumers who are in the habit of swiping their credit card could be paying more at the cash register.

Merchants typically have to pay a fee to the credit card companies when you use plastic. New rules going into effect this week allow retailers to pass that fee along to you.

The added cost could be anywhere from 1 to 4 percent of your purchase. If the store takes on this practice, it is required to disclose the added cost to you by hanging a sign in the window or at the register.

These new fees only apply to credit card transactions, not debit.

Many big box stores came out saying they won't pass that fee along to the customer. However, "mom and pop" shops might be in a different situation with less profit than a multi-million dollar company.